BSOD once an hour 0x000000f4

[raven00]

Hi - I started getting a BSOD I think about three weeks ago. At first it was infrequent, but lately it has been happening on average around once an hour or so.

I have seen similar BSOD reports where (as you'll see in the attachment) no dump file is created.

So far I've tried updating the BIOS to the latest version, as well as a few troubleshooting scans (Lenovo hardware scan via BIOS, chkdsk /f, Windows Memory Diagnostic, Microsoft Security Essentials, etc). I haven't tried Memtest86+ or Carrona's HD Diagnostics yet.

I haven't found a pattern yet. I usually have Firefox open, but not necessarily. I got a BSOD in Safe More w/ Networking as well. I can't remember whether I installed/updated anything at the time it started occurring.

Would really appreciate any assistance you could provide. At my wits end here

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello and welcome raven mate you have done what I would have suggested first (chkdsk)

Now if you are suspecting the memory this is what you want the Windows feature is pretty weak
RAM - Test with Memtest86+ now it is important to run the test for atleast 8 passes any less and you may as well not bother.

What I don't understand is why there are no dumps for the blue screens do you regularly use CCleaner and the Disk cleanup feature because they will clear the mini dumps - I stand to be corrected of course.

The Corrona list mate if you haven't got the dumps then I don't see what use it will be.

Now I don't want to sound like I am telling my grandmother how to suck eggs but what have you got set to save mini dumps - see my pic it is one of my 10 machines but should read the same in a 7 machine.

Also have you tried doing these

Dump Files - Configure Windows to Create on BSOD
&
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions

 

[raven00]

Hi ICIT2LOL - thanks for the response.

I've been doing some poking around here and there and it seems that one reason dump file wouldn't be created is if it was a problem with the drive/controller/cable itself. I've got my memory dump set up as per your screenshots but it just hangs, never writes the file.

I've since been in touch with Lenovo and they've said they'll replace the drive "cable" tomorrow so I haven't been doing much investigation. I think Memtest would be the next step but I'll need to duck into Harvey Norman and get a memory stick.

Thanks again, will let you know what they come back with.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok mate but the memory stick isn't really necessary I find a CD is just as good and personally I also prefer the memtest on a disk.

Well Lenovo must have tidied up their act because as a lot of other manufacturers support these days is weak at best.

Now it might be worth running these again mate too and use the /r switch as well as the /f on the chkdsk
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker
Disk Check < if necessary include the /f and /r in the command line as per Option2
Run these in safe mode and the sfc often best run for two to three runs – you can leave out the /r switch in ckdsk if you feel it not necessary

I also thought to ask have you done any malware scans too?? If not then try these doesn't take long and you never know what might turn up
SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!
Malwarebytes | Malwarebytes Premium
AdwCleaner Download
ADW download from bleeping computer delete any rubbish found with the malware scans
(NB If you are running Kaspersky as the main AV then it might need disabling it when trying ADW because it does not like it at times)

 

[raven00]

No CD drive on this PC

Malware yes have run Malwarebytes and Microsoft Security Essentials, will try a couple of the others there though I'm usually pretty careful.

Ran SFC a couple more times but no findings. Lenovo engineer will be here in a couple of hours so will let you know how that goes.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Well that is good they are so on the ball a pleasant surprise eh?

The malware mate yes I agree the best thing you can do for security is be careful. However having said that I have to say it is good to run SAS and MBAM from time to time because if nothing else they keep the adware at bay - it doesn't necessarily harm the machine but does clog it up

I run a paid for AV myself only because I like the extra stuff like a sandbox feature to run my banking in

 

[Golden]

I've been doing some poking around here and there and it seems that one reason dump file wouldn't be created is if it was a problem with the drive/controller/cable itself. I've got my memory dump set up as per your screenshots but it just hangs, never writes the file.

Your'e on the right track. 0xF4's can often be traced to faulty IO and no .dmp file is usual in this case, so checking the cable, SATA port, drive is the way to go. One other thing worth checking:

1. How much free disk space is available on C:?
2. Is there a BioS update available for the machine?

 

[torchwood]

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Roy